Women In 19th Century Canada
The emergence of the 19th century in Canada brought about significant progressive changes, which have molded society into what it has become today. As the course has progressed, many significant groups have been depicted as having undergone severe mistreatments, enforced by society at the time. However, the group that struck out as having undergone severe abuse, were married women. This class of women, had to take on the harsh penalties that were placed by the male-driven society. Any of the “privileges” were handed over to the men, for them to embrace and enjoy. However, despite the strict environment and the emergence of the First World War, women slowly began to establish themselves as equals in society. In this essay, I will analyze how
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Seeing as women had taken over the positions that were previously held by men, women had begun to gain more confidence. In addition to this, many married women were being seen outside of their homes, mingling in society and actively earning income. This culture that had formed, enabled women to realize that they did not need a man to survive.12 It led women to gain confidence and practice, what is now called today, “girl power”. This notion also gave leeway for “flappers”, who were women that dressed provocatively, to rebel against the traditional boundaries of submissive women. Flappers identified with independent and dominant attributes and were seen as women who did not need men to provide for them. In fact, the contributions that had been made by these women (amongst others), allowed women under the Wartimes Election Act in 1917, to be given the right to vote. Specifically, women who were the sister, wife, mother or daughter of a soldier, were given the right to cast a vote.13 Although, this right was only given to those women who met the requirements, it was not far after, that all female British citizens (in 1918) were given the right to vote.14 This achievement was a stepping stone for other various organizations, to take initiative and grant women the justice and the rights they had been fighting for. It is remarkable to see how women were able to slowly bring about a progressive change in a society that was catered for men. Aside from establishing themselves on a political scale, the wave of independent women also helped those women who were, for example, unwed mothers. Prior to organizations being set up, unwed mothers were not provided financial, physical and mental support. Instead they were generally cast out from any aspect of society and treated as alienated and promiscuous individuals. However, as society
Seeing as women had taken over the positions that were previously held by men, women had begun to gain more confidence. In addition to this, many married women were being seen outside of their homes, mingling in society and actively earning income. This culture that had formed, enabled women to realize that they did not need a man to survive.12 It led women to gain confidence and practice, what is now called today, “girl power”. This notion also gave leeway for “flappers”, who were women that dressed provocatively, to rebel against the traditional boundaries of submissive women. Flappers identified with independent and dominant attributes and were seen as women who did not need men to provide for them. In fact, the contributions that had been made by these women (amongst others), allowed women under the Wartimes Election Act in 1917, to be given the right to vote. Specifically, women who were the sister, wife, mother or daughter of a soldier, were given the right to cast a vote.13 Although, this right was only given to those women who met the requirements, it was not far after, that all female British citizens (in 1918) were given the right to vote.14 This achievement was a stepping stone for other various organizations, to take initiative and grant women the justice and the rights they had been fighting for. It is remarkable to see how women were able to slowly bring about a progressive change in a society that was catered for men. Aside from establishing themselves on a political scale, the wave of independent women also helped those women who were, for example, unwed mothers. Prior to organizations being set up, unwed mothers were not provided financial, physical and mental support. Instead they were generally cast out from any aspect of society and treated as alienated and promiscuous individuals. However, as society